Description: A landmark free trade agreement in now in place with the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP). Canada is a part of this partnership, which also includes 11 other nations. Source: CBC Date: October 5, 2015 Video Link: http://www.cbc.ca/player/News/Business/ID/2676667858/?page=3 Questions for Discussion: Explain the TPP free trade agreement? Which sectors benefit the most from this deal? Which… Read more »
Posts Tagged: Global Economy (pp120-121)
Should Canada rebrand itself in the wake of the oil crisis?
Description: Energy has been Canada’s leading export merchandise; at least till recently, when auto sales topped the export numbers. In the wake of the oil slump, should Canada refocus on other strategic industries or skillsets to remain competitive in the global market? Source: The Globe and Mail Date: September 11, 2015 Text Link: http://www.theglobeandmail.com/report-on-business/economy/rebranding-the-canadian-economy-in-the-wake-of-the-oil-slump/article26340860/ Questions… Read more »
Canadian dollar dips to its lowest level since 2009
Description: The Canadian dollar dipped to its lowest level since March 2009: it dropped below 77 cent against the U.S. dollar. This drop follows Bank of Canada’s decision to cut its interest rate to 0.5 per cent. Source: CBC Date: July 17, 2015 Link: http://www.cbc.ca/news/business/canadian-dollar-dips-below-77-cents-for-first-time-since-2009-1.3157570 Questions for Discussion: Discuss the factors causing the Canadian dollar… Read more »
Financial Crisis in Greece
Description: Greece continues to grapple with its tremendous debt. In a recent referendum, Greece said no to austerity measures demanded by the European Union. However, faced by increasing debt, the Greece has little option. Source: The Washington Post Date: July 10, 2015 Video Link: https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/european-officials-pore-over-greeces-last-ditch-request-for-a-bailout/2015/07/10/1467a97e-2645-11e5-b621-b55e495e9b78_story.html Questions for Discussion: What led Greece to its current situation?… Read more »
Does Alberta need a carbon tax?
Description: The CEO of Suncor Energy—a Calgary based Energy Company specializing in synthetic crude production from oil sands—suggests a broad-based carbon tax for Alberta. He feels a carbon tax will help both the environment and the economy of Alberta. Source: CBC Date: May 22, 2015 Video Link: http://www.cbc.ca/player/News/Business/ID/2667701903/?page=2 Questions for Discussion: 1. What is… Read more »
Bank of Canada cuts rate by a quarter point
Description: In a decision that came as a shock to most economists, the Bank of Canada cut its rate on overnight loans by a quarter point to 0.75%. Canada was the first among the Group Seven countries to cut its interest rate. Source: CBC Date: January 21, 2015 Video Link: http://www.cbc.ca/player/News/Business/ID/2649342059/ Questions for Discussion: Discuss… Read more »
Canada signs a range of commercial deals with China worth $2.5 billion
Description: Canada signed off on a range of trade and currency deals with China that are worth around $2.5 billion. One of its biggest deals include an agreement for Bombardier to sell more than $1 billion in aircraft to China Express Airlines. Source: CTV Date: November 08, 2014 Video Link: http://www.ctvnews.ca/business/canada-china-ink-commercial-deals-worth-up-to-2-5b-1.2093054 Questions for Discussion: Which… Read more »
Canadian Jobless Rate Lowest in Six Years
Description: According to Statistics Canada, the national jobless rate has dropped to its lowest level in six years. There were more than 74,000 new jobs added in the month of September bring down the unemployment rate to 6.8%. Source: CBC Date: October 10, 2014 Video Link: http://www.cbc.ca/player/News/Business/ID/2550274072/ Questions for Discussion: Critically analyse the recent job… Read more »
Canadian Energy Calling on China
In a reversal of sorts, Canadian energy producers are aggressively seeking Asian (particularly Chinese) partners in the development of natural gas and oil resources. For their part, the Chinese are being more selective when evaluating these offers. A decade ago, Chinese companies were aggressively pursuing deals and Canadian partners were leery, mainly because of concerns… Read more »
